The Gold price (XAU/USD) trades on a negative note during the Asian trading hours on Wednesday. The precious metal retreats from a two-week high of $3,395 amid the profit-taking and modest rebound in the US Dollar (USD). The potential downside for the yellow metal might be capped amid concerns over the US Federal Reserve’s (Fed) independence as US President Donald Trump doubled down on his efforts to oust a Fed governor. This could boost the Gold price as it is considered a traditional safe-haven asset.
Traders will keep an eye on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Any signs of escalating tensions might lift the Gold price, while a peace deal could undermine the precious metal in the near term. Gold traders brace for the US Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index report for July later on Friday. The headline PCE is expected to show an increase of 2.6% YoY in July, while the core PCE is projected to show a rise of 2.9% YoY during the same report period. The hotter-than-expected inflation could limit the Fed’s ability to lower rates.
The Gold price edges lower on the day. Technically, the constructive outlook of the precious metal remains in play, with the price holding above the key 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) on the daily chart. The path of least resistance is to the upside, as the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands above the midline near 56.80. This indicates bullish momentum in the near term.
The crucial resistance level for Gold emerges in the $3,400-3,410 zone, representing the psychological level, the upper boundary of the Bollinger Band, and the high of August 8. A run of green candles and steady trading above the mentioned level could open the door for a move toward $3,439, the high of July 23. The additional upside filter to watch is $3,500, the round figure, and the high of April 22.
On the flip side, if the XAU/USD continues to draw in sellers and more red candlesticks show up, the price could head right back to $3,325, the low of August 21. Sustained trading below this level could expose $3,200, the lower limit of the Bollinger Band and round mark.
Gold has played a key role in human’s history as it has been widely used as a store of value and medium of exchange. Currently, apart from its shine and usage for jewelry, the precious metal is widely seen as a safe-haven asset, meaning that it is considered a good investment during turbulent times. Gold is also widely seen as a hedge against inflation and against depreciating currencies as it doesn’t rely on any specific issuer or government.
Central banks are the biggest Gold holders. In their aim to support their currencies in turbulent times, central banks tend to diversify their reserves and buy Gold to improve the perceived strength of the economy and the currency. High Gold reserves can be a source of trust for a country’s solvency. Central banks added 1,136 tonnes of Gold worth around $70 billion to their reserves in 2022, according to data from the World Gold Council. This is the highest yearly purchase since records began. Central banks from emerging economies such as China, India and Turkey are quickly increasing their Gold reserves.
Gold has an inverse correlation with the US Dollar and US Treasuries, which are both major reserve and safe-haven assets. When the Dollar depreciates, Gold tends to rise, enabling investors and central banks to diversify their assets in turbulent times. Gold is also inversely correlated with risk assets. A rally in the stock market tends to weaken Gold price, while sell-offs in riskier markets tend to favor the precious metal.
The price can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can quickly make Gold price escalate due to its safe-haven status. As a yield-less asset, Gold tends to rise with lower interest rates, while higher cost of money usually weighs down on the yellow metal. Still, most moves depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAU/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Gold controlled, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to push Gold prices up.